Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
Date: 2023-10-25
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Italy, Veneto, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_202300166EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
Series C













C/2023/166


25.10.2023






Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
(C/2023/166)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).
COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT


                     ‘Arcole’
                  


PDO-IT-A0438-AM03


Date of communication: 28 July 2023
                  


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Pinot Grigio Rosato (rosé)

Description: inclusion of a rosé version of Pinot Grigio.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary in order to add a precise colour reference defining the rosé version of the Pinot Grigio type. The other characteristics on consumption are not affected as this is not a new type but a specific version of Pinot Grigio products already covered by the product specification.
The amendments concern Articles 1, 5, 6, 7 and 9 of the product specification and point 1.4 of the single document.
2.   Pinot Grigio Superiore (superior)

Description: inclusion of the term ‘Superiore’ for Pinot Grigio.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary to be able to accurately define a version of Pinot Grigio that may have more refined characteristics than the basic version.
The amendment concerns Articles 1, 4, 5 and 6 of the product specification and points 1.4 and 1.5.2 of the single document.
3.   Garganega

Description: reinsertion of the Garganega variety.
Reasons: note that Garganega has been reinserted into the product specification. This type was included in the consolidated specification in the past, but at one point it was decided to remove it in the interests of simplification and adaptation to new production requirements. The protection association now wishes to give this type new life, given the importance of the Garganega variety and its ability to produce quality wine. The amendment is necessary to be able to exploit a variety that has always been known in the area and is capable of producing quality wines whose alcoholic strength and acidity characteristics meet market requirements.
The amendments concern Articles 1, 2 and 6 of the product specification and point 1.4 of the single document.
4.   Arcole Nero Riserva (reserve)

Description: inclusion of the term ‘Riserva’ for the Arcole Nero type.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary to bring the Arcole Nero type into line with the other red grape types of the designation (Arcole Rosso and Arcole Merlot), for which use of the term ‘Riserva’ is already permitted, as subsequent ageing could allow superior quality parameters to be met.
The amendment concerns Articles 1, 6 and 7 of the product specification and point 1.4 of the single document.
5.   Reduction in minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume for Pinot Grigio

Description: the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume for Pinot Grigio has been reduced.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary in order to adjust the alcoholic strength of Pinot Grigio to the values typically obtained in the area.
The amendment concerns Article 4 of the product specification only.
6.   Introduction of a production limit and the minimum alcoholic strength by volume for Pinot Grigio Superiore

Description: the maximum production limit and the minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume has been added for Superiore wines.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary because a Superiore version of Pinot Grigio has been introduced that has finer quality characteristics than the basic version.
The amendment concerns Article 4 of the product specification and point 1.5.2 of the single document.
7.   Insertion of a paragraph on inter-vintage blending for the Pinot Grigio type

Description: rules have been laid down on inter-vintage blending to improve quality in the production of Pinot Grigio wines, including the rosé and Superiore versions.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary to allow quality enhancement through inter-vintage blending and to clarify and expand the wine-making rules.
The amendment concerns Article 5 of the product specification and point 1.5.1 of the single document.
8.   Increase in upper grape/wine yield limit

Description: the upper grape/wine yield limit above which the protected designation of origin may not be claimed has been increased.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary to bring the yield limit into line with the other major Triveneto Pinot Grigio wines on the market, for which the current limit is already above 80 %. This update will allow effective management of volumes.
The amendment concerns Article 5 of the product specification only.
9.   Changes to the characteristics on consumption of Arcole Pinot Grigio

Description: the existing Pinot Grigio type has been amended due to the introduction of the rosé and Superiore versions.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary in order to describe in detail the analytical parameters of the Pinot Grigio type following the inclusion of the rosé and Superiore versions.
The amendment concerns Article 6 of the product specification and point 1.4 of the single document.
10.   Addition of the characteristics on consumption for Garganega

Description: the characteristics on consumption have been added for the Garganega type.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary to describe in detail the analytical parameters of the type that has been reinserted.
The amendment concerns Article 6 of the product specification and point 1.4 of the single document.
11.   Inclusion of a reference to the Riserva version in the characteristics on consumption of Arcole Nero

Description: it has been specified that the characteristics on consumption of the Riserva version are the same as for Arcole Nero.
Reasons: there are no additional characteristics compared to the basic type for Arcole Nero bearing the term ‘Riserva’. The characteristics on consumption have therefore been updated with the words ‘Arcole Nero (including the Riserva version)’.
The amendment concerns Article 6 of the product specification and point 1.4 of the single document.
12.   Insertion of a paragraph on synonyms of ‘rosato’ that may appear on the label

Description: provision has been made for specifying the colour on the labelling of Pinot Grigio rosé wine.
Reasons: the new paragraph allows the synonym terms ‘ramato’ (copper), ‘blush’, ‘rosé’ and ‘pink’ to be used in the labelling, presentation and description of Pinot Grigio as an alternative to the term ‘rosato’.
The amendment concerns Article 7 of the product specification and the ‘Further conditions’ section of the single document.
13.   Inclusion of a reference to Arcole Nero regarding use of the term ‘Riserva’ on the label

Description: ‘Arcole Nero’ has been added to the wines for which the additional quality term ‘Riserva’ may be used.
Reasons: this amendment is necessary due to the amendment to Article 1 of the product specification allowing the term ‘Riserva’ to be used also for the Arcole Nero type.
The amendment concerns Article 7 of the product specification only.
14.   Increase in the size of glass bottles

Description: provision has been made for marketing the wine in larger bottles.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary to be able to respond to market demand for larger formats.
The amendment concerns Article 8 of the product specification only.
15.   Insertion of a paragraph on the specific characteristics of rosé wines

Description: the link with the geographical environment has been updated as regards the specific characteristics of rosé wines.
Reasons: the amendment is necessary in order to set out the qualities and characteristics of rosé wines that are attributable to the geographical environment where Arcole PDO is produced.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Arcole
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO — Protected Designation of Origin
3.   Categories of grapevine products









1.


Wine












5.


Quality sparkling wine












8.


Semi-sparkling wine




4.   Description of the wines

1.   ‘Arcole’ Chardonnay
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: straw yellow;










 


Aroma: fine, distinctive, elegant;










 


Taste: dry, occasionally smooth and subtle;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   ‘Arcole’ Chardonnay Frizzante (semi-sparkling)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: straw yellow sometimes tending towards greenish, bright;










 


Aroma: distinctive with an intense, delicate fragrance;










 


Taste: medium-bodied, harmonious, slightly bitter;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 10,5 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   ‘Arcole’ Pinot Grigio and ‘Arcole’ Pinot Grigio Rosato (rosé), including with the term Superiore (superior)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: from straw yellow to amber, with occasional copper or pink tints;










 


Aroma: delicate, distinctive, fruity;










 


Taste: dry, harmonious, distinctive;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11 %; 11,5 % for Superiore wines;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   ‘Arcole’ Garganega
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: straw yellow;










 


Aroma: fine, distinctive, elegant;










 


Taste: dry, occasionally smooth and subtle;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   ‘Arcole’ Merlot
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: ruby red if young, tending to garnet if aged;










 


Aroma: quite intense, distinctive;










 


Taste: dry, slightly bitter;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,5 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 18 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




6.   ‘Arcole’ Bianco (white)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: straw yellow sometimes tending towards greenish;










 


Aroma: distinctive with an intense, delicate fragrance;










 


Taste: dry, medium-bodied, harmonious, slightly bitter;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 10,5 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




7.   ‘Arcole’ Bianco Spumante (white sparkling) / ‘Arcole’ Spumante (sparkling)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Foam: fine and long-lasting;










 


Colour: straw yellow of varying intensity;










 


Aroma: distinctive, slightly fruity;










 


Taste: flavourful, distinctive, delicate, types: extra brut, brut, extra dry, dry, medium-dry and sweet;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




8.   ‘Arcole’ Rosso (red)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: ruby red;










 


Aroma: intense and delicate;










 


Taste: dry, medium-bodied and harmonious;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11,00 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 18,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




9.   ‘Arcole’ Rosso Riserva
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: ruby red;










 


Aroma: intense and delicate;










 


Taste: dry, medium-bodied and harmonious;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12,00 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 22,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




10.   ‘Arcole’ Bianco Frizzante (white semi-sparkling) / ‘Arcole’ Frizzante (semi-sparkling)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: straw yellow sometimes tending towards bright greenish;










 


Aroma: distinctive with an intense, delicate fragrance;




Taste: medium-bodied, harmonious, slightly bitter, dry, medium-dry or sweet;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 10,50 %;
Minimum sugar-free extract: 15,0 g/l.
Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




11.   ‘Arcole’ Rosato (rosé)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: pale ruby red; bright;










 


Aroma: distinctive with an intense, delicate fragrance;










 


Taste: medium-bodied, harmonious;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 10,50 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




12.   ‘Arcole’ Rosato Frizzante (semi-sparkling rosé)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Aroma: distinctive with an intense, delicate fragrance;










 


Colour: pale ruby red;










 


Taste: medium-bodied, harmonious, dry, medium-dry or sweet;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 10,50 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 16,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




13.   ‘Arcole’ Bianco Passito / ‘Arcole’ Passito
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: golden yellow of varying intensity;










 


Aroma: pleasant, intense and fruity;










 


Taste: medium-sweet, sweet, velvety, harmonious, full-bodied with occasional woody notes;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 14,50 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 24,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


5,0 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




14.   ‘Arcole’ Nero
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: intense red tending to garnet with age;










 


Aroma: distinctive, strong, delicate;










 


Taste: full, velvety, bold, well-structured and long-lasting;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13,50 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 26,0 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




15.   ‘Arcole’ Merlot Riserva (reserve)
CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION






 


Colour: ruby red if young, tending to garnet if aged;










 


Aroma: quite intense, distinctive;










 


Taste: dry, slightly bitter;










 


Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 12 %;










 


Minimum sugar-free extract: 22 g/l.




Any analytical parameters not shown in the table below comply with the limits laid down in national and EU legislation.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


4,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Inter-vintage blending in the production of Pinot Grigio

Specific oenological practice

In the production of the Pinot Grigio type, including the rosé or ‘copper’ version and wines bearing the term Superiore, it is permitted to add, up to a maximum of 15 %, musts or wines made from other white grape varieties covered by the designation, including from different years, provided that the Pinot Grigio grapes used to make the wine are grown in single-variety vineyards or, in any case, that the presence of grapes of the complementary varieties does not exceed this percentage in total.
5.2.   Maximum yields

1.   Garganega

                     18 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
2.   Pinot Grigio

                     15 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
3.   Chardonnay

                     18 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
4.   Merlot

                     16 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
5.   Pinot Grigio Superiore

                     13 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

The production area for wines covered by the ‘Arcole’ protected designation of origin includes:
province of Verona: the entire administrative territory of the following municipalities: Arcole, Cologna Veneta, Albaredo d’Adige, Zimella, Veronella, Zevio, Belfiore d’Adige, as well as part of the administrative territory of the municipalities of Caldiero, San Bonifacio, Soave, Colognola ai Colli, Monteforte, Lavagno, Pressana, Vago and San Martino Buon Albergo;
province of Vicenza: the entire administrative territories of the municipalities of Lonigo, Sarego, Alonte, Orgiano, Sossano and Rovereto di Guà.
The area is demarcated as follows: from the 322 km mark on the state road, the boundary line runs westward along this same road in the direction of Caldiero, intersecting with the municipal territory of Soave and Colognola ai Colli. It then turns southward, following the edge of the Rocca and Gazzo hills above altitude 40 and returns northward on state road 11. From there the boundary line runs westward along state road 11 until it intersects in the territory of Lavagno with the Serenissima motorway, which it follows in the municipality of San Martino Buon Albergo as far as Mulino Vecchio, continuing southward along the municipal border of San Martino Buon Albergo until close to Pontoncello where it follows the border of Zevio municipality for the entire stretch south of the village until it reaches the municipal border of Belfiore at Porto della Bova; it continues to follow that border along the river Adige in the Albaredo direction as far as Moggia.
From there it turns eastward along the municipal border of Albaredo until it reaches the municipal border of Veronella in Boschirolle, from where it runs along the Dugale Ansòn channel and turns northward to Gallinara, where it once again runs eastward along the Dugale Gatto channel until it reaches the municipal border of Cologna Veneta in the north. The boundary line then follows the municipal border of Cologna Veneta, passing Pra and meeting the municipal border of Pressana on the river Fratta, which runs south-eastward past the disused railway line and the locality of Ponte Rosso.
It continues along that boundary until it meets the municipal border between Pressana and Minerbe, which it follows until it reaches the border of Padua province in Rovenega. It then follows this provincial border, first along Via Rovenega and then along Via Argine Padovano, which it continues to follow as far as the municipality of Rovereto di Guà, where it passes Caprano and meets the Guà river.
The line then runs along the Guà river north-westward where it intersects with the municipal border between Rovereto di Guà and Cologna Veneta in the locality of Boara. From there, it follows the municipal border of Cologna eastward as far as Salboro and then turns north-westward along the provincial border with Vicenza as far as S. Sebastiano, passing Orlandi and continuing northward as far as the Ronego drainage channel and the Orgiano municipal border. From there, the line follows the Alonte channel eastward, passing Case Como, joining the municipal border of Sossano and passing the locality of Pozza as far as Ponte Sbuso.
From there, it turns northward past Termine and Ponte Mario, reaching the Fiumicello canal and then briefly turning northward and then eastward, all the time following the Sossano municipal boundary past the localities of Campagnola and Pozza. From there, the line once again turns southward past Fontanella and Pontelo as far as the municipal border of Orgiano, which it follows northward along the Liona channel, turning eastward past Dossola as far as the municipal border of Alonte, which it follows briefly northward as far as the municipal border of Lonigo past Ca Bandia and on to Ciron, turning south-eastward and joining the Sarego municipal border near the Crearo hill, where it continues northward past Giacomelli as far as the river Bredola, skirting it in a south-eastward direction and then continuing northward past the locality of Canova e Navesella.
From there, the Sarego municipal border runs eastward past Frigon Basso and Muraro, where it once again meets the municipal border of Lonigo. It follows that border northward as far as the Milan-Venice railway line, which it follows as far as Dovaro, from where it continues northward and turns eastward near state road 11, meeting the municipal border of San Bonifacio in the locality of Fossacan. From there, the line continues northward along the provincial border between Verona and Vicenza as far as state road 11 at Torri di Confine, continuing northward as far as the Serenissima motorway. It then follows this motorway westward, intersecting with the Aldegà stream and entering the municipality of Monteforte, continuing along the motorway until the road for San Lorenzo and running southward until it meets state road 11 close to the bridge over the Alpone stream near the San Bonifacio sugar mill. It then follows state road 11 westward, returning to the initial departure point at the 322 km mark.
7.   Wine grape varieties







 


Cabernet Franc N - Cabernet










 


Cabernet Sauvignon N - Cabernet










 


Carmenère N - Cabernet Nostrano










 


Chardonnay B










 


Garganega B










 


Garganega B - Garganego










 


Garganega B - Grecanico Dorato B










 


Merlot N










 


Pinot Bianco B - Pinot










 


Pinot Grigio










 


Pinot Grigio - Pinot










 


Sauvignon B - Sauvignon Blanc




8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Historical and human factors

The Arcole protected designation of origin takes its name from one of the municipalities in the area covered by the designation.
In fact, the municipality of Arcole is the main point of reference for the area, on account of its geographical location right in the middle of the territory, its specific importance for production and the significant historical heritage associated with the Napoleonic campaigns that left such a profound imprint on the life and history of this area. The bridge over the Alpone stream and the obelisk commemorating the battle between the French and Austrian armies on 15-17 November 1796 are among the most significant symbols in this regard.
This bridge has remained as the symbol for the Arcole protected designation of origin because it represents the traditions and the deeply-felt pride of these lands.
Although vine-growing has certainly been present in the area for more than two millennia, partly on account of the two communications routes that made the area so amenable to Roman colonisation, namely the Adige (river) and the Porcilana (road), it was revitalised in the Middle Ages. The possibility for wine produced in the areas around Arcole to be transported helped vine cultivation to expand all around.
The entire area of Arcole used to be referred to using the name ‘Fiumenovo’, which corresponds to most of the flood plain which used to be covered by forests, undergrowth and ponds. The property records and documents on endowments, leases, purchases and sales inevitably contain references to wine and to wine production, which developed from the network of abbeys in the area, such as San Pietro di Villanova and Lepia.
Vines were also held in great esteem in the Republic of Venice. The land around Cologna within the Arcole area was prized by the Republic of Venice as an area, well-connected to the city, that provided abundant wine, grain and hemp, all of which the Venetians could not do without.
The ‘Arcole’ controlled designation of origin was recognised by Ministerial Decree of 4 September 2000, published in Italian Official Gazette No 214 on 4 September 2000, thus gathering together this significant historical and wine-growing heritage and giving greater prominence to this important territory with a long tradition located between the provinces of Verona and Vicenza. This territory is noted for its silty, sandy soils which give its wines their unique characteristics. Given the need to manage and ensure the best possible outcome in these times of transformation and evolution in production, the protection association was set up on 8 February 2001.
The evolution in the area is typical of lowland winegrowing, where vine-training methods have traditionally been more extensive and vines of various different sources have been used. Only the professionalism of growers in recent years has made it possible to select the varieties that are best suited to the area. The best soils were selected and newly devised planting methods were also adopted in order to bring out the best qualities of the wine. Producers have significantly transformed the productive fabric, with a selective, meticulous and competitive approach becoming hallmarks of how winegrowers work.
This progress has been encouraged and its value harnessed by the organisational structure in this territory, which has always been coordinated by wine-making cooperatives. These structures not only generate value, but also encourage producers to grow the vine varieties most appreciated by the market. The producers that have decided to invest in this area cite the renewal in the vineyards and the new approaches to vine training and planting density, all of which contribute towards the high quality of the grapes.
8.2.   Natural factors

The territory is uniformly flat in the south-west, presenting the typical features of an alluvial plain. The hilly area starts at the Motta relief in San Bonifacio, as well as part of the Colli Berici hills in the east.
The soil in the lowlands which are suitable for winegrowing are mostly of the sandy clay type.
In morphological terms, the plain is broken up by ridges, terraces and slopes with differences in level not exceeding about ten metres. The soils are deep and often have a high sand content.
The soils from which Arcole PDO wine is produced are largely shaped by the phenomena of erosion and sedimentation, mainly from the river Adige but also on a secondary basis from other local waterways.
These soils mostly consist of sandy deposits with gravelly matter featuring to a lesser extent. The sandy deposits contain variable percentages of silt at local level. The areas where the silty-sandy ridges emerge and develop in various directions correspond to former courses of the same river. While the silty deposits of Lessinean origin are reddish-brown, those of Adige origin are pale hazelnut brown in colour.
In the part of the Arcole PDO wine production area in Vicenza province, the river Frassine deposited a layer of dark red alluvial soil over the soils that had formed in the Quaternary period from the Adige-Sarca glacier. This layer was derived from the leaching of dolomite rock with marl, basalt, porphyry, limestone, gypsum, etc. content.
The area where Arcole PDO wines are produced has a relatively homogeneous continental climate, with very hot, muggy summers and harsh, foggy winters. The highest temperatures are recorded between the second ten days of July and the first ten days of August and the lowest are recorded in January.
The annual variation in temperature is quite significant and rainfall is limited but well distributed throughout the year.
8.3.   Specificity of the product

Although there are numerous types of wine in the product specification, we will focus on three for simplicity’s sake:






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White wines: Arcole Bianco, Arcole Chardonnay and Arcole Pinot Grigio are typically straw yellow in colour with greenish tints when young and tending more towards gold as they age. Their aromas are elegant and subtle, particularly when made from vines grown in sandier soils. Their taste is light-bodied, fragrant, flavourful and aromatic, while never being too fruity on account of the effect the soil and environment have on their characteristics.










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Red wines made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are intense ruby red tending towards violet when young. The colour takes on more garnet hues as they mature. The smell is always intense, with distinctive notes of cocoa, violet and raspberry. The taste is generally dry and notably herbaceous in the case of the Cabernet. Both the complexity and the pleasingly smooth texture of the wine improve with age.










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Rosé wines: The Pinot Grigio variety has been part of the designation since it was created, but has had increasing success in recent years due to outside market forces. If they are macerated with the skins the grapes naturally produce wines of a pink colour, of varying intensity. On the nose the wines have notes of small red fruit and flowers. The taste is flavourful, sometimes with a hint of residual sugar. Their aromas are elegant and subtle, particularly when made from vines grown in sandier soils.




Arcole Nero: Obtained by drying out the grapes of the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties for about 2 months, followed by a maturing period lasting at least 2 years and at least 3 months in wooden barrels to produce a colour ranging from ruby red with violet tints to ruby red tending to garnet, and to garnet in the case of those that have aged for a long time. The bouquet is complex, with pleasant vanilla, wood and sometimes smoky notes adding to the characteristics of the varieties. It is rich-bodied with smooth tannins and a more fine and delicate bouquet than wines not aged in wooden barrels.
8.4.   Causal link between environment and product

In quite a diverse soil environment, it is the silty-sandy component that is the most constant feature in this territory and this means the wines have well-defined characteristics and are easily recognisable.
The white wines made from vines grown in sandier soils have an elegant, subtle fragrance with excellent aromatic expression and moderate alcohol content. They are at their most pleasant in the early years after bottling. Only the Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) type manages to produce more structured, long-lasting wines.
With the very hot climate in July and August and the limited rainfall, the red wines made from vines grown in these soils are well-structured but generally benefit in smoothness from spending a few years in the bottle.
It is the specific skills of the producers which make it possible to optimise the oenological results and make the best of the various varieties cultivated in the area.
In the case of the Arcole Nero and Passito types, the traditional drying and maturing method used by the producers largely determines the final result achieved in the wines.
These kinds of wines, obtained after 1 or 2 years in wooden barrels or tanks, are intense in colour with purple tints and fruity, ethereal aromas. Their taste is broad and harmonious with spicy and balsamic notes that combine perfectly with the smooth tannins present.
As they age in the bottle, the colour evolves to classic garnet and the aromas and retronasal sensations take on ethereal notes of red fruits in alcohol.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)


Use of synonyms of ‘Rosato’ (‘rosé’) on the labelling

Legal framework:
EU legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:






 


In the case of Pinot Grigio rosés, the colour of the wine may also be indicated on the label using one the following synonyms:










 



                        ‘Ramato’ (copper)










 



                        ‘Blush’
                     










 



                        ‘Rosé’
                     










 



                        ‘Rosa’ (pink)





Link to the product specifiation

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/20080


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            OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/166/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)